Cleveland's Urban Renewal
August 1, 2008
I've been thinking a lot about the theory that urban centers will be revived over the next few years at the expense of car-centered exurbs. Theories are all good and fun, but having solid evidence that it is happening is a lot more exciting. Even in rusty old Cleveland, there are a handful of urban development projects; which I've been surprised to find out that many suburbanites have no idea about. I've picked my top 5 favorite mixed-use development projects in Cleveland. A few of these projects are already under construction and a few are planned, but they all look awesome to me and a good step forward for urban mixed use development.
5. Stonebridge
Status: Early phases complete/late phases planned
Website: www.stonebridgecleveland.com
Comments: The West Bank of the Flats has seen better days. Sure, there are still things happening at the Nautica Complex and Shooters, but most would describe this part of town as "past its prime". The location on the Cuyahoga River has plenty of potential, and has probably been underutalized to this point. There is more than enough unused space in this part of town to develop into something truly progressive. The current location lacks a link to public transit, and that could change in the future, although current plans do not call for it. (Photos from the Stonebridge website).
4. East 4th Street
Status: Mostly complete/late stage construction
Website: www.east4thstreet.com
Comments: It was only a few years ago that Euclid Avenue between Public Square and East 9th was one of the grimiest parts of Downtown Cleveland. Formerly boarded up buildings are now restaurants, abandoned office and industrial spaces are now apartments and condos, concerts happen almost every night at the House of Blues, and stand-up comedy can be seen at Hilarities. Enjoy a game of bowling or shoot some pool at Corner Alley, have an "imperial pint" at Flannery's Pub, or enjoy Cleveland's finest cuisine at Lola. (Photo from the East 4th Website).
3. Avenue District
Status: Under construction
Website: www.theavenuedistrict.com
Comments: On the east side of Downtown Cleveland, a new neighborhood is being constructed. The Avenue District is mostly residential, promising luxury penthouses, lofts and townhouses, and there will certainly be room for limited retail and restaurants. The neighborhood appears to be ideal for those interested in downtown living, with close proximity to many attractions but without the hustle and bustle of living above a bar or a club. (Photo from the Avenue District Website).
2. Flats East Bank
Status: Planned/early stage construction
Website: www.flatseast.com
Comments: Flats East Bank was formerly known for being the place to party in Cleveland. Now anyone who goes down there sees boarded up buildings, graffiti, and serious urban decay. Most of the bars and Clubs moved up the hill to West 6th Street and Cleveland's main concert venue got relocated to East 4th. The Flats East Bank project calls for a boardwalk along the Cuyahoga River with plenty of restaurants and bars, condos and apartments on top of retail space, a new grocery market, movie theater, 5-star boutique hotel, and office space, including Eaton Corp's headquarters. The RTA Waterfront line will cut through the heart of the development. If properly executed, this truly could be "the place to live" in Cleveland. (Photos from The Plain Dealer).
1. Uptown
Status: Planned
Website: www.uptowncleveland.com
Comments: With everything happening Downtown, it can be easy to forget about other promising Cleveland neighborhoods. As home to Cleveland's fast-growing biotech industry, University Circle is already a key job center in the area, but to this point, the area lacks solid "urban living". Most of University Circle's residents live in dorms or university-owned apartments, which are generally off limits to anyone other than students. There are some turn of the century houses in Little Italy, but nothing resembling luxury lofts or penthouses. The Uptown project will be connected to Cleveland Clinic via the new RTA Healthline and a newly planned "Little Italy" rapid transit station will connect Uptown to Downtown. (Photos from The Plain Dealer)
5. Stonebridge
Status: Early phases complete/late phases planned
Website: www.stonebridgecleveland.com
Comments: The West Bank of the Flats has seen better days. Sure, there are still things happening at the Nautica Complex and Shooters, but most would describe this part of town as "past its prime". The location on the Cuyahoga River has plenty of potential, and has probably been underutalized to this point. There is more than enough unused space in this part of town to develop into something truly progressive. The current location lacks a link to public transit, and that could change in the future, although current plans do not call for it. (Photos from the Stonebridge website).
4. East 4th Street
Status: Mostly complete/late stage construction
Website: www.east4thstreet.com
Comments: It was only a few years ago that Euclid Avenue between Public Square and East 9th was one of the grimiest parts of Downtown Cleveland. Formerly boarded up buildings are now restaurants, abandoned office and industrial spaces are now apartments and condos, concerts happen almost every night at the House of Blues, and stand-up comedy can be seen at Hilarities. Enjoy a game of bowling or shoot some pool at Corner Alley, have an "imperial pint" at Flannery's Pub, or enjoy Cleveland's finest cuisine at Lola. (Photo from the East 4th Website).
3. Avenue District
Status: Under construction
Website: www.theavenuedistrict.com
Comments: On the east side of Downtown Cleveland, a new neighborhood is being constructed. The Avenue District is mostly residential, promising luxury penthouses, lofts and townhouses, and there will certainly be room for limited retail and restaurants. The neighborhood appears to be ideal for those interested in downtown living, with close proximity to many attractions but without the hustle and bustle of living above a bar or a club. (Photo from the Avenue District Website).
2. Flats East Bank
Status: Planned/early stage construction
Website: www.flatseast.com
Comments: Flats East Bank was formerly known for being the place to party in Cleveland. Now anyone who goes down there sees boarded up buildings, graffiti, and serious urban decay. Most of the bars and Clubs moved up the hill to West 6th Street and Cleveland's main concert venue got relocated to East 4th. The Flats East Bank project calls for a boardwalk along the Cuyahoga River with plenty of restaurants and bars, condos and apartments on top of retail space, a new grocery market, movie theater, 5-star boutique hotel, and office space, including Eaton Corp's headquarters. The RTA Waterfront line will cut through the heart of the development. If properly executed, this truly could be "the place to live" in Cleveland. (Photos from The Plain Dealer).
1. Uptown
Status: Planned
Website: www.uptowncleveland.com
Comments: With everything happening Downtown, it can be easy to forget about other promising Cleveland neighborhoods. As home to Cleveland's fast-growing biotech industry, University Circle is already a key job center in the area, but to this point, the area lacks solid "urban living". Most of University Circle's residents live in dorms or university-owned apartments, which are generally off limits to anyone other than students. There are some turn of the century houses in Little Italy, but nothing resembling luxury lofts or penthouses. The Uptown project will be connected to Cleveland Clinic via the new RTA Healthline and a newly planned "Little Italy" rapid transit station will connect Uptown to Downtown. (Photos from The Plain Dealer)
wow, did all of these projects end up coming together?